Sheps creates beer for war heroes

Heroes from Britain's armed forces gathered at the Shepherd Neame brewery last week to launch Help for Heroes Spitfire Ale - which will raise funds...

Heroes from Britain's armed forces gathered at the Shepherd Neame brewery last week to launch Help for Heroes Spitfire Ale - which will raise funds for the country's injured service personnel.

Help for Heroes is a new national charity which aids members of the armed forces who return wounded from tours of duty. Supporters include former and serving members of the armed forces and well-known public figures and celebrities, including Princes William and Harry, TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson and musician James Blunt.

And Britain's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has created a limited edition Help for Heroes Spitfire Ale available in 250ml bottles, with sales raising funds for the charity.

Help for Heroes hopes to raise enough money to build a new gym and swimming pool at the centre, which helps service personnel to recover from injuries and to rebuild their lives. Among the guests at the launch were two of the charity's Hero Patrons, Andy Newell and Andy Stockton.

The charity's appeal chairman and former Royal Green Jacket, Bryn Parry said: "All of us at Help for Heroes welcome this tremendous initiative by Shepherd Neame and thank them for coming up with such a swift and bold idea that will go down so well with our Armed Forces; as will the beer!"

Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame, said: "Spitfire Ale has a proud record of supporting service charities and we are delighted to offer Help for Heroes our support. We're hoping that this Christmas everyone will raise their glasses to those who risk their lives on our behalf and give a helping hand to those who are rebuilding their lives following injuries."